Sports Hochi notes the following starting rotation for the first two or so weeks of the season: Hideaki Wakui, Togame, Takayuki Kishi, Fumiya Nishiguchi, and Kazuhisa Makita; Kazuhisa Ishii will pitch out of the bullpen.

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Hisanobu Watanabepointed toEnrique Gonzalez as team closer after Wednesday's exhibition game against the Chunichi Dragons.

Kazuhisa Makitathrew about thirty warm-up pitches before Sunday's practice game start against the Orix Buffaloes. That is up from his usual ten pitches when making relief outings. Makita told reporters he might try throwing a bit more for his next start.

Foreign player tryouts: Chuck James and Terry Tiffeetook part in an intra-squad game on Friday. James was one of the starting pitchers but had to leave early after he took a batted ball of his left ankle (1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R). Tiffee went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI.